feminism, motherhood, writing

It’s back: the annual GCSE result battle of the sexes. Who’ll be the victors this time? In the blue corner we’ve the boys – daring, inspired, risk-taking – while in the pink it’s the girls – plodding, diligent, safe. And this year there’s an added twist, with the new no-coursework 2016 specifications really putting them through their paces.

So, who’s come out on top? Have the reformed exams led to a shock result? Well, the short answer is no. Turns out it’s the same as last year, and the year before that, and the one before that. Girls have taken more of the top grades than boys but – BUT – they haven’t really deserved to.

Every year the story is the same and it’s one I’ve come to hate. Instead of reporting on exam successes without reference to gender, news outlets make it into a competition.

Perhaps I shouldn’t mind, given that I’m nominally on the winning team. The truth is, though, it tends to feel less like a win, more a threat. Girls are doing too well! Something must be done about it!